AURORA, Colo. — Josh Gardner, the longtime coach at Mancos High School, originally moved to the small town seeking an escape from city life and a chance to enjoy the outdoors. What he didn’t realize at first was that he’d be trading the traditional 11-man football he was accustomed to for the unique challenges of 8-man football.
Since then, Gardner has embraced the change, leading Mancos to significant success. After securing a State Championship last year, his team is off to an impressive 4-1 start this season, including back-to-back 48-0 victories. The Mancos Bluejays are on a determined quest for a second consecutive state title under his leadership.
Josh Gardner Coaching Highlights
- Previous Roles:
- Head Coach at White River Junior High
- Head Coach at Lakota East High School
- Assistant, Co-Head Coach, and Head Coach at Mancos High School
- Overall CHSAA Head Coaching Record: 72-25
- Record at Mancos High School: 72-25
What Inspired You to Coach?
"I’ve played football since I was seven years old. Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, I attended an all-boys Catholic high school with a nationally recognized football program. Later, I played football at the University of Cincinnati. Football has always been a constant in my life—I honestly haven’t known anything else."
Under Gardner's guidance, Mancos continues to shine as a powerhouse in Colorado's 8-man football scene.
What Does Coaching Mean to You?
Coaching, for me, is about helping young boys grow into respectful, responsible men who contribute positively to their communities. These days, it’s harder than ever for boys to navigate that path, with distractions like technology, video games, and social media, and with fewer traditional family structures to guide them. I believe football is an incredible tool for shaping character and fostering those qualities that create good men.
What Does Coaching Mean to You?
Coaching, for me, is about helping young boys grow into respectful, responsible men who contribute positively to their communities. These days, it’s harder than ever for boys to navigate that path, with distractions like technology, video games, and social media, and with fewer traditional family structures to guide them. I believe football is an incredible tool for shaping character and fostering those qualities that create good men.
What Has Clicked for the Team During the Four-Game Win Streak?
After last year’s State Championship, we kept telling ourselves all summer, "Let’s hit the reset button and do it all over again." But we lost a lot of seniors, and I realized we were constantly comparing this year’s team to last year’s. One of our captains, Brandon Vannest, pointed out that we’re a different team with our own identity, and he was absolutely right.
That realization led us, as coaches, to shift our focus and embrace the team’s unique character. While we’re still a power-run team at heart, we’ve worked on diversifying our offense and making small adjustments. On defense, our younger players just needed more reps to grow. It’s been about finding this team’s identity and putting in the work to make it come to life.
What Did Winning State Mean to You and the Mancos Community?
Winning State meant everything to me. When I moved to Mancos 12 years ago from Cincinnati, the football program was struggling. We were being beaten soundly by other teams in our league, and it took years of hard work, support from assistant coaches, and buy-in from the community to build a program we could all be proud of.
We implemented things like a weightlifting program, stayed committed to doing things the right way, and, eventually, it all came together. Winning the championship was the culmination of that effort.
For the community, it was monumental. Mancos had never won a State Championship in football before, and the pride and excitement we saw from everyone was incredible. The support from the entire town was something I’ll never forget.
Did You Have Any Experience With 8-Man Football?
None. I played 11-man football growing up and had no idea 8-man football even existed until I moved out here. I came to Mancos because I wanted to live in the mountains and be close to nature. When the athletic director told me the team played 8-man football, I had to ask, "What’s 8-man football?" I’d never heard of it before.
What Was It Like Adjusting to 8-Man Football?
The adjustment was huge. Coming from an 11-man background, I had to rethink a lot of things. For example, I played offensive tackle in college, and pass blocking was something I loved teaching. But in 8-man football, with fewer linemen, the pocket for the quarterback is incredibly tight, and the speed of the game is much faster. It’s also wild to see teams scoring 50, 60, or even 70 points—it’s just a completely different dynamic.
How Have Your Players Helped You Grow as a Coach?
My players have taught me so much. When I first came here, I was very intense and hot-headed, much like the coaches I had growing up in Cincinnati. But Mancos is a different environment—a close-knit community where patience and caring matter as much as performance.
The kids showed me that football doesn’t have to feel like a job. It can be fun while still being productive. They’ve taught me to step back, enjoy the experience, and be more patient. I’ve learned that screaming and yelling isn’t necessary to get results. Thanks to them, I’ve rediscovered my love for the game and learned to approach coaching in a way that’s more meaningful for everyone involved.
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